Hi! I have just finished interviewing for the English Opens Doors program, backed by the Chilean government and the UN. It seems really great. I know I will be working really hard and will be living slim, but...that hasn't scared me away thus far.

Does anyone know about EOD, or has anyone taught with them? Ayudame, por favor!

hi, sarah. i'll be going to chile for english opens doors, too! have you received any information from them about your class or where you'll be living? i sent the letter to the family and started my online tefl class, but haven't received a packet from them. i'm buying my ticket from exito travel this week. have you gotten your ticket yet?

Hi Sarah and Lena,
I've been looking at the English Open Doors Program lately, too. I was wondering if you (or anyone else) could explain to me what, exactly, the 1000 dollar fee is for. I realize that it pays for some expenses...but...I guess I was just surprised at the cost of a volunteer job.

I just recently signed up with EOD as well. I have not received a packet yet in the mail, but no one has said anything about a $1000 fee. So I'm surprised to hear this. I was just told that I need to pay for my own airfare, but accomodations witha host family will be provided a long with Spanish lessons, and a certificate at the end. I'm signed up for the summer. Let me know when you guys will be going, maybe I'll see you guys there

Just an additional comment regarding EOD. I just found out that there is indeed a $500 fee for long-term (6-8months) volunteer program, but not for the summer term. I would suggest contacting the Ministry of Education directly (the web link on previous posts) as opposed to programs that will charge you a placement fee of $1000. You may be able to save yourself some money.

Yeah I checked out contacting the ministry of education directly. It does seem to streamline the process. However, there are benefits to going through a program. Even though I have teaching experience I am not (yet) certified for TEFL. Through the program I am getting that certification. Also, I went through an organization when I lived in France and I can't tell you how much it helped to have an in-country contact from that organization when I had difficulties with my living/studying/working situations. I can be a rather cautious person when going to a new area of the world and I value those services. They aren't necessary by any means but when going the volunteer route they can make a big difference in your experience.

I highly recommend going through the Chilean Ministry of Education directly. There shouldn't be these fees. The only 'fee' is for visas, etc. No housing, no course fees. I will be doing the 4-month program and it all seems very official. Go to the following website if you are interested, avoid these random fees.

Hey,
My sister's doing the program now. I'm thinking of doing it when I finish being a Language Assistant in Spain. She went directly through the Ministry, so I don't think that she had to pay additional fees. What I was wondering is, are you going to be paid a stipend? The program I'm in now pays me a monthly salary. I know my sister's being paid, but I thought it might be just because she's on Easter Island (which is really remote from the rest of Chile) so the Ministry might be giving her extra $$ for that. My sister's definitely working hard, she's teaching her own class 8 hours a day M-F with kids ranging from 4 to 14 in one class and seems to be under a lot of pressure.

I'm looking at the EOD official website for 2009 and it looks like there is a $600-$1000 fee to participate in the program even if you go through the Chilean Ministry of Education's website. Can someone else comment on this? Also, can anyone else give some feedback regarding the EOD program like the poster above has done. I may be interested in this for next year. Thanks.

I'm looking at the EOD official website for 2009 and it looks like there is a $600-$1000 fee to participate in the program even if you go through the Chilean Ministry of Education's website. Can someone else comment on this? Also, can anyone else give some feedback regarding the EOD program like the poster above has done. I may be interested in this for next year. Thanks.

I actually saw the same thing...I'm pretty sure there is a fee associated with the program, although I am going to send a letter to the ministry just to see what our options are.

I'm looking at the EOD official website for 2009 and it looks like there is a $600-$1000 fee to participate in the program even if you go through the Chilean Ministry of Education's website. Can someone else comment on this? Also, can anyone else give some feedback regarding the EOD program like the poster above has done. I may be interested in this for next year. Thanks.

I actually saw the same thing...I'm pretty sure there is a fee associated with the program, although I am going to send a letter to the ministry just to see what our options are.

Any news I get I will post back up here.

Just following up...I contacted the ministry and they said the fee is basically for ensuring all of the participants have adequate health insurance. 600 for those staying for 6 and 4 months, 1000 for those staying the full year.

My name is Max Calvert and I recently completed a 6 month teaching program with English Opens Doors in the region of Antofagasta, in the north of Chile. It was a great experience, and I would love to respond to any specific questions or concerns that you guys have about the program. You can send me an email at (maxwell.calvert@gmail.com) or reply to this thread and I'll get back to you asap.